Air treatment device

ABSTRACT

An air treatment device includes: a casing having an inlet through which air is drawn, and an outlet out of which the air drawn through the inlet is blown; a blade configured to adjust a direction of the air blown out of the outlet; and a generator configured to generate an antimicrobial element that sanitizes the blade. The blade has a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The blade is shiftable between a first position in which the antimicrobial element is provided to the first surface and a second position in which the antimicrobial element is provided to the second surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No.PCT/JP2021/004617, filed on Feb. 8, 2021, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. 119(a) to Patent Application No. 2020-019828, filed in Japan onFeb. 7, 2020, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air treatment device.

BACKGROUND ART

An air conditioner serving as a type of air treatment device has beenknown in the art. Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner havingthe function of maintaining its internal cleanliness. Specifically, theair conditioner of Patent Document 1 includes an indoor unit. The indoorunit includes a heat exchanger, a fan, an air flow path from an inlet toan outlet, upper and lower flaps (blades), and a sprayer. The upper andlower flaps are provided at the outlet. The sprayer atomizes water.

In the indoor unit, the upper and lower flaps turn to close the outlet,and water with antimicrobial activity is sprayed from the sprayer intothe air flow path of the indoor unit. The water with antimicrobialactivity is supplied to the heat exchanger and the fan.

CITATION LIST Patent Documents

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.    2009-85576

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an air treatmentdevice (100) including: a casing (11) having an inlet (11 a) throughwhich air is drawn, and an outlet (11 b) out of which the air drawnthrough the inlet (11 a) is blown; and a blade (21) configured to adjusta flow direction of the air blown out of the outlet (11 b). The airtreatment device (100) further includes: a generator (32) configured togenerate an antimicrobial element that sanitizes the blade (21). Theblade (21) has a first surface (23), and a second surface (24) oppositeto the first surface (23). The blade (21) is shiftable between a firstposition in which the antimicrobial element is provided to the firstsurface (23) and a second position in which the antimicrobial element isprovided to the second surface (24).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view illustrating a configuration of anindoor unit according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the indoor unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a controlunit and its peripheral devices.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of a flap in afirst position.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state where the flapis shifting from the first position to a second position.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of the flap inthe second position.

FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 4 and illustrates a first variation of thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of light sourcesaccording to a second variation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 4 and illustrates a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 6 and illustrates the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 4 and illustrates a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 6 and illustrates the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 1 and illustrates a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG. 4 and illustrates the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 corresponds to FIG. 6 and illustrates the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

—General Configuration of Air Conditioner—

An air treatment device according to a first embodiment is an airconditioner (100) that adjusts the indoor temperature. The airconditioner (100) adjusts the temperature of indoor air, and suppliesthe temperature-adjusted air as supply air into a room. The airconditioner (100) includes an indoor unit (1) installed indoors, and anoutdoor unit installed outdoors.

The indoor unit (1) is connected to the outdoor unit (not shown) via arefrigerant pipe. Thus, in the air conditioner (100), a refrigerantcircuit is formed. The refrigerant circuit is filled with a refrigerantwhich circulates to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Theoutdoor unit includes a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger bothconnected to the refrigerant circuit, and an outdoor fan correspondingto the outdoor heat exchanger.

—Configuration of Indoor Unit—

The indoor unit (1) is provided in a room to be air-conditioned. Asillustrated in FIG. 1 , the indoor unit (1) includes a casing (11), afilter (12), a heat exchanger (13), a fan (14), a flow path formingportion (40), a flap (20), a generation unit (30), and a control unit(15). In FIG. 1 , the control unit (15) is not shown. The terms “upper,”“top,” “lower,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” and “rear” in thefollowing description refer to the directions when the indoor unit (1)is viewed from the front.

<Casing>

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the casing (11) is attached to a wall (W) ofthe room to be air-conditioned. The casing (11) is formed in a hollowrectangular parallelepiped shape that is laterally long as viewed fromthe front. The casing (11) is mainly made of a resin. An internal space(S1) is formed in the casing (11) to house the filter (12), the heatexchanger (13), the fan (14), and the generation unit (30).

The casing (11) includes a front panel (16), a rear panel (17), a toppanel (18), and a bottom panel (19). The front panel (16) forms a frontsurface of the casing (11). The rear panel (17) forms a rear surface ofthe casing (11). The top panel (18) forms a top surface of the casing(11). The front end of the top panel (18) is connected to the upper endof the front panel (16), and the rear end of the top panel (18) isconnected to the upper end of the rear panel (17). The bottom panel (19)forms a bottom surface of the casing (11). The front end of the bottompanel (19) is connected to the lower end of the front panel (16), andthe rear end of the bottom panel (19) is connected to the lower end ofthe rear panel (17).

The casing (11) has an inlet (11 a) and an outlet (11 b). The inlet (11a) is an opening through which indoor air is to be introduced into theinternal space (S1) of the casing (11). The inlet (11 a) is formed in anupper portion of the casing (11). The inlet (11 a) is formed in the toppanel (18). The inlet (11 a) is an opening formed in the shape of arectangle with the long sides oriented along the lengthwise direction ofthe top surface of the casing (11) and the short sides oriented alongthe widthwise direction of the top surface of the casing (11). The inlet(11 a) is formed along the lengthwise direction of the casing (11).

The outlet (lib) is an opening through which air that has passed throughthe heat exchanger (13) is to be led out of the casing (11). The outlet(11 b) is formed in a lower portion of the casing (11). The outlet (lib)is formed in the bottom panel (19). The outlet (lib) is an openingformed in the shape of a rectangle with long sides oriented along thelengthwise direction of the bottom surface of the casing (11) and shortsides oriented along the widthwise direction of the bottom surface ofthe casing (11). The outlet (lib) is formed along the lengthwisedirection of the casing (11).

<Filter>

The filter (12) is disposed between the inlet (11 a) and the heatexchanger (13). The filter (12) faces the inlet (11 a). The filter (12)catches dust and any other substances in the air drawn through the inlet(11 a) into the casing (11).

<Heat Exchanger>

The heat exchanger (13) is a so-called “cross-fin-type” heat exchanger.The heat exchanger (13) is disposed in an upper portion of the interiorof the casing (11). The heat exchanger (13) is opposed to thecircumferential surface of the fan (14). Specifically, the heatexchanger (13) is disposed to surround the front, upper, and rear sidesof the fan (14). The heat exchanger (13) is connected to the refrigerantcircuit (not shown) via pipes (not shown). The heat exchanger (13)exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerantcircuit and indoor air.

<Fan>

The fan (14) is a so-called “cross-flow fan.” The fan (14) has anelongated cylindrical shape. The fan (14) is configured to be rotatablearound its axis generally parallel to the lengthwise direction of thecasing (11). The fan (14) is driven to rotate by a fan motor (notshown). The fan (14) draws the air that has flowed into the casing (11)to pass through the heat exchanger (13), and blows the drawn air towardthe outlet (11 b). The fan (14) sends the air conditioned by the heatexchanger (13) out of the outlet (11 b) into the room.

<Flow Path Forming Portion>

The flow path forming portion (40) forms a blow-out flow path (41) inthe shape of a scroll between the fan (14) and the outlet (11 b). Theflow path forming portion (40) includes a front side wall (42) and arear side wall (43). The front and rear side walls (42) and (43) aremade of a resin.

The front side wall (42) is disposed in front of the fan (14).Specifically, the front side wall (42) is disposed between the fan (14)and the front panel (16). The front side wall (42) faces a front portionof the blow-out flow path (41).

The rear side wall (43) is disposed toward the rear of the fan (14).Specifically, the rear side wall (43) is disposed between the fan (14)and the rear panel (17) and between the fan (14) and the bottom panel(19). The rear side wall (43) faces a rear portion of the blow-out flowpath (41). The rear side wall (43) is gently curved along the blow-outflow path (41). The rear side wall (43) is formed from an upper part ofthe fan (14) to the outlet (11 b).

A pipe space (S2) is formed between a lower portion of the rear panel(17) of the casing (11) and the rear side wall (43). A refrigerant pipefor the refrigerant circuit, a discharge path (e.g., a hose) forcondensed water, and other components are housed in the pipe space (S2).The control unit (15) is further housed in the pipe space (S2).

<Flap>

The flap (20) corresponds to a blade. The flap (20) adjusts the flowdirection of the air blown out of the outlet (11 b). The single flap(20) is provided at the outlet (11 b) of the casing (11). The flap (20)is configured to be capable of opening and closing the outlet (11 b).The flap (20) includes a flap body (21) and a shaft (22).

The flap body (21) is a rectangular plate-shaped blade member with thelong sides oriented along the lengthwise direction of the outlet (11 b)and the short sides oriented along the widthwise direction of the outlet(11 b). The long sides of the flap body (21) are oriented along thelengthwise direction of the casing (11).

The shaft (22) is provided on the center of the flap body (21) to begenerally parallel to the lengthwise direction of the flap body (21). Inother words, the shaft (22) is disposed on the center of the outlet (11b). The flap body (21) is driven to rotate around the shaft (22) by aflap motor (not shown). FIG. 1 illustrates a state where the flap body(21) blocks the outlet (11 b).

The flap body (21) has a first surface (23) and a second surface (24)opposite to the first surface (23). The first surface (23) is a surfacefacing the inside of the casing (11) while the air conditioner (100) isat rest. The second surface (24) is a surface facing the outside of thecasing (11) while the air conditioner (100) is at rest.

The flap body (21) is configured to rotate around the shaft (22) so asto be shiftable between first and second positions. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , the first position is a position in which the first surface(23) of the flap body (21) faces the inside of the casing (11). In thefirst position, the first surface (23) of the flap body (21) faces aplurality of generators (32), which will be described below. Asillustrated in FIG. 6 , the second position is a position in which thesecond surface (24) of the flap body (21) faces the inside of the casing(11). This second position is a position in which the flap body (21) isrotated by 180° from the first position. In the second position, thesecond surface (24) of the flap body (21) faces the generators (32),which will be described below. In the first and second positions, theflap (20) blocks the outlet (11 b).

<Generation Unit>

The generation unit (30) provides an antimicrobial element to the flap(20). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the generation unit (30) isdisposed in a lower portion of the interior of the casing (11). Thegeneration unit (30) includes one fixing part (31) and the plurality ofgenerators (32).

The fixing part (31) is a member for fixing the generators (32) insidethe casing (11). The fixing part (31) is formed in the shape of a prismelongated in the horizontal direction as viewed from the front. Thefixing part (31) extends from one end to the other end of the outlet (11b) along the lengthwise direction of the outlet (11 b). The fixing part(31) is disposed between the fan (14) and the flap (20). In other words,the fixing part (31) is disposed in the blow-out flow path (41). Thefixing part (31) is disposed generally at the center of the outlet (11b) in the width direction orthogonal to the lengthwise direction of theoutlet (11 b) as viewed from the outlet (11 b).

The generators (32) generate the antimicrobial element that sanitizesthe flap (20), and releases the generated antimicrobial element to theirsurrounding areas. In this embodiment, the antimicrobial element isultraviolet light. The generators (32) are light sources that generateultraviolet light. Specifically, the generators (32) are light emittingdiodes (LEDs). The generators (32) are arranged at equal intervals inthe lengthwise direction of the outlet (11 b). The generators (32) arearranged to emit ultraviolet light toward the outlet (11 b).

In the first position in which the first surface (23) of the flap body(21) is opposed to the generators (32), the antimicrobial element isprovided to the first surface (23) of the flap body (21). In the secondposition in which the second surface (24) of the flap body (21) isopposed to the generators (32), the antimicrobial element is provided tothe second surface (24) of the flap body (21).

<Control Unit>

The control unit (15) shown in FIG. 3 includes a microcomputer and amemory device (specifically, a semiconductor memory). The memory devicestores software for operating the microcomputer. The control unit (15)is connected to the fan (14), the flap (20), and the generators (32) viawires. Signals are exchanged between these components and the controlunit (15). The control unit (15) processes signals from a remotecontroller (not shown), controls the fan (14), the flap (20), and thegenerators (32), and performs other operations.

—Basic Operation—

A basic operation of the indoor unit (1) will be described. The airconditioner (100) performs a blow-out operation of blowing air out ofthe outlet (11 b). The blow-out operation includes a cooling operationof cooling indoor air and a heating operation of heating indoor air.

The cooling operation performed in response to the user's handling ofthe remote controller causes the control unit (15) to rotate the flap(20) from the first position to open the outlet (11 b) and to operatethe fan (14) after the rotation of the flap (20). Operation of the fan(14) allows indoor air to be taken through the inlet (11 a) into theinternal space (S1). The air taken through the inlet (11 a) passesthrough the filter (12). The filter (12) catches dust and any othersubstances in the air. The air that has passed through the filter (12)flows through the heat exchanger (13). The air that has flowed into theheat exchanger (13) is cooled by the heat exchanger (13). The cooled airpasses through the fan (14), and flows through the blow-out flow path(41). The air in the blow-out flow path (41) is guided forward anddownward, and is blown out of the outlet (11 b) into the room.

If the heating operation is performed, the indoor unit (1) operates inthe same manner as in the cooling operation until air passes through thefilter (12). The air that has passed through the filter (12) and thathas flowed into the heat exchanger (13) is heated by passing through theheat exchanger (13). The heated air passes through the fan (14), flowsthrough the blow-out flow path (41), and is blown out of the outlet (11b) into the room, just like the cooling operation.

—Operation of Providing Antimicrobial Element—

Next, an operation of providing the antimicrobial element to the flap(20) will be described.

During the blow-out operation of the air conditioner (100), the userhandles the remote controller to stop the operation. The control unit(15) that has received a signal for shutdown stops the fan (14), andthen rotates the flap (20) to the first position. The flap (20) in thefirst position blocks the outlet (11 b), and the first surface (23)thereof faces the generators (32). The control unit (15) energizes thegenerators (32) while the first surface (23) faces the generators (32).Energizing the generators (32) causes ultraviolet light generated by thegenerators (32) to be emitted to the first surface (23) of the flap (20)as illustrated in FIG. 4 . The emission of the ultraviolet light allowsbacteria, mold spores, and other similar substances deposited on theflap (20) to die out under the ultraviolet light. Thus, the firstsurface (23) of the flap (20) is sanitized.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization of thegenerators (32), the control unit (15) stops energizing the generators(32) and suspends the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators(32). When the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators (32) issuspended, the control unit (15) rotates the flap (20) by 180° asillustrated in FIG. 5 . The flap (20) rotated by 180° is in the secondposition as illustrated in FIG. 6 . Thus, the outlet (11 b) is againblocked by the flap (20), and the second surface (24) of the flap (20)faces the generators (32). The control unit (15) energizes thegenerators (32) while the second surface (24) faces the generators (32).Energizing the generators (32) causes ultraviolet light generated by thegenerators (32) to be emitted to the second surface (24) of the flap(20). The emission of the ultraviolet light allows bacteria, moldspores, and other similar substances deposited on the flap (20) to dieout under the ultraviolet light. Thus, the second surface (24) of theflap (20) is sanitized.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization of thegenerators (32), the control unit (15) stops energizing the generators(32) and suspends the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators(32). When the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators (32) issuspended, the control unit (15) rotates the flap (20) by 180°. The flap(20) rotated by 180° returns to the first position.

According to the foregoing operation, in the indoor unit (1),ultraviolet light is emitted to both the first and second surfaces (23)and (24) of the flap (20) to sanitize both of these surfaces of the flap(20).

Feature (1) of First Embodiment

The air conditioner (100) of this embodiment includes the generators(32). The generators (32) generate ultraviolet light to sanitize theflap (20). The flap (20) has the first and second surfaces (23) and(24). The flap (20) is shiftable between the first and second positions.In the first position, ultraviolet light is emitted to the first surface(23). In the second position, ultraviolet light is emitted to the secondsurface (24).

Here, while an air conditioner is operating, cold air flows along bothsurfaces of a flap of an indoor unit into a room. This may causecondensation on both of these surfaces of the flap. If no measures aretaken against the condensation, this condensation causes generation ofmold and odorous substances on both of these surfaces of the flap. Work,such as cleaning by wiping, is required to remove such mold and odoroussubstances, and takes time and effort. If this cleaning work is notperformed, air contaminated with mold or any other substances may besupplied into the room, resulting in loss of comfort.

As a measure to address condensation, a chemical agent, such as anantifungal agent, may be applied to both surfaces of the flap. However,this method becomes less effective over time, because the chemical agentdeteriorates. To maintain advantages of the chemical agent, the chemicalagent may be additionally applied. However, this additional applicationmethod takes time, effort, and cost.

To address this problem, since the flap (20) of the air conditioner(100) of this embodiment is shiftable between the first and secondpositions, the antimicrobial element is provided to both of the firstand second surfaces (23) and (24) of the flap (20). Thus, both of thesesurfaces of the flap (20) are sanitized. This can reduce contaminationof both of these surfaces of the flap (20). As a result, the time andeffort required to clean the flap (20) can be reduced. In addition,contamination of air blown out of the indoor unit (1) can be reduced.This can reduce a decrease in comfort.

Feature (2) of First Embodiment

The generators (32) of the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment areprovided in the casing (11). In the first position, the first surface(23) faces the generators (32). In the second position, the secondsurface (24) faces the generators (32).

In the first position of this embodiment, the first surface (23) facesthe generators (32), and in the second position, the second surface (24)faces the generators (32). This enables efficient sanitization of theentire first and second surfaces (23) and (24).

Feature (3) of First Embodiment

The flap (20) of the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment is capableof opening and closing the outlet (11 b). The flap (20) in each of thefirst and second positions blocks the outlet (11 b).

Since the flap (20) in each of the first and second positions of thisembodiment blocks the outlet (11 b), the antimicrobial element can besubstantially prevented from being released from the outlet (11 b) tothe outside of the casing (11).

Feature (4) of First Embodiment

The antimicrobial element of the air conditioner (100) of thisembodiment is ultraviolet light.

Since the antimicrobial element of this embodiment is ultraviolet light,the antimicrobial element can be uniformly provided to the flap body(21).

Feature (5) of First Embodiment

The outlet (11 b) of the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment has arectangular shape. The generators (32) are a plurality of light sourcesthat generate ultraviolet light. The plurality of generators (32) areprovided in the lengthwise direction of the outlet (11 b).

In this embodiment, the plurality of light sources generatingultraviolet light are provided in the lengthwise direction of the outlet(11 b). Thus, the flap body (21) can be sanitized with a simplestructure.

Variations of First Embodiment First Variation

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , in the air conditioner (100) of thisembodiment, two protrusions (11 c) formed at the outlet (11 b) of thecasing (11) may overlap with two recesses (21 c) formed on the flap body(21) to block the outlet (11 b).

Specifically, the protrusions (11 c) are formed at upper and lowerportions of the outlet (11 b). The protrusions (11 c) protrude from theupper and lower ends of the outlet (11 b) toward the center of theoutlet (11 b). The protrusions (11 c) are formed generally along theentire length of the outlet (11 b) in the lengthwise direction thereof.The recesses (21 c) are formed at both ends of the flap body (21) in thewidthwise direction thereof. Each recess (21 c) is formed generallyalong the entire length of the associated long side of the flap body(21). One of the recesses (21 c) is one step lower than the firstsurface (23). The other recess (21 c) is one step lower than the secondsurface (24).

While the flap body (21) is located in the first position, the recess(21 c) at the one end of the flap body (21) in the widthwise directionthereof engages with the upper protrusion (11 c), and the recess (21 c)at the other end of the flap body (21) in the widthwise directionthereof engages with the lower protrusion (11 c). The engagement betweenthe recesses (21 c) of the flap body (21) and the correspondingprojections (11 c) allows the gap between the edge of the outlet (11 b)and the flap body (21) to be blocked. This reduces the leakage of theantimicrobial element through the outlet (11 b).

Second Variation

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , in the air conditioner (100) of thisembodiment, a plurality of generation units (30) may be provided, and agenerator (32) of each of the generation units (30) may swing.

Specifically, the air conditioner (100) includes two generation units(30). One of the generation units (30) is disposed on the left side ofthe center of the casing (11), and the other generation unit (30) isdisposed on the right side of the center of the casing (11). Eachgeneration unit (30) includes one fixing part (31), one swing part (33),and one generator (32).

The fixing part (31) is a member for fixing the one generator (32)inside the casing (11). The fixing part (31) is formed in the shape of aprism extending generally in the perpendicular direction as viewed fromthe outlet (lib). The generator (32) is attached to the swing part (33).The swing part (33) changes the direction in which ultraviolet light isemitted from the generator (32). The swing part (33) is configured suchthat the generator (32) swings in the side-to-side directions. The swingpart (33) is attached to the center of the fixing part (31).

In the operation of providing the antimicrobial element to the flap(20), the swing parts (33) of the generation units (30) swing in theside-to-side directions until a predetermined time has elapsed since theenergization of the generators (32). This allows ultraviolet lightgenerated by the generators (32) to be emitted to the entire first andsecond surfaces (23) and (24) of the flap (20).

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment will be described below. An air conditioner (100) ofthis embodiment is a modified version, of the air conditioner (100) ofthe first embodiment, in which the configurations of the flap (20) andthe generation unit (30) have been changed. Thus, the followingdescription will be focused on the differences between the airconditioner (100) of this embodiment and the air conditioner (100) ofthe first embodiment.

—Flap—

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , two flaps (20) are provided at an outlet (11b) of a casing (11). The two flaps (20 a, 20 b) include an upper flap(20 a) disposed on the upper side of the outlet (11 b), and a lower flap(20 b) disposed on the lower side of the outlet (11 b). The upper andlower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) each have a flap body (21 a, 21 b) and ashaft (22 a, 22 b).

The shaft (22 a) of the upper flap (20 a) is disposed at an end of theupper flap body (21 a) near the casing (11). The shaft (22 a) of theupper flap (20 a) is disposed at an upper portion of the outlet (11 b)of the casing (11). The shaft (22 b) of the lower flap (20 b) isdisposed at an end of the lower flap body (21 b) near the casing (11).The shaft (22 b) of the lower flap (20 b) is disposed at a lower portionof the outlet (11 b) of the casing (11). The flap body (21 a) of theupper flap (20 a) rotates around the shaft (22 a). The flap body (21 b)of the lower flap (20 b) rotates around the shaft (22 b).

The upper and lower flaps (20 a, 20 b) are configured as double doors(biparting doors) to be capable of opening and closing the outlet (11b). Specifically, the upper flap (20 a) rotating around the shaft (22 a)from its orientation along the outlet (11 b) in the counterclockwisedirection in FIG. 9 causes a first surface (23 a) of the upper flap (20a) to shift toward the inside of the casing (11). The lower flap (20 b)rotating around the shaft (22 b) from its orientation along the outlet(11 b) in the clockwise direction in FIG. 9 causes a first surface (23b) of the lower flap (20 b) to shift toward the inside of the casing(11). The upper and lower flaps (20 a, 20 b) shifting toward the insideof the casing (11) as described above causes the outlet (11 b) to open.

The upper flap (20 a) rotating around the shaft (22 a) from itsorientation along the outlet (11 b) in the clockwise direction in FIG. 9causes a second surface (24 a) of the upper flap (20 a) to shift towardthe outside of the casing (11). The lower flap (20 b) rotating aroundthe shaft (22 b) from its orientation along the outlet (11 b) in thecounterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 causes a second surface (24 b) ofthe lower flap (20 b) to shift toward the outside of the casing (11).The upper and lower flaps (20 a, 20 b) shifting toward the outside ofthe casing (11) as described above also causes the outlet (11 b) toopen.

In a first position, the flaps (20 a, 20 b) are both oriented along theoutlet (11 b), and the flaps (20) block the outlet (11 b). A secondposition is a position in which the upper flap (20 a) is rotated byabout 90° from the first position in the counterclockwise direction inFIG. 9 and the lower flap (20 b) is rotated by about 90° from the firstposition in the clockwise direction in FIG. 9 . In other words, thesecond position is a position in which the upper and lower flap bodies(21 a, 21 b) are each rotated by about 90° from the first position toenter the casing (11).

—Generation Unit—

The air conditioner (100) includes two generation units (30). The twogeneration units (30) include an upper generation unit (30 a) and alower generation unit (30 b). The configuration of each generation unit(30) is the same as, or similar to, that of the first embodiment.

A fixing part (31 a) of the upper generation unit (30 a) is disposed onthe back side of the upper flap (20 a) (toward a fan). Specifically, thefixing part (31 a) of the upper generation unit (30 a) is disposed on asurface of a front side wall (42) near a blow-out flow path (41). Afixing part (31 b) of the lower generation unit (30 b) is disposed onthe back side of the lower flap (20 b) (toward the fan). Specifically,the fixing part (31 b) of the lower generation unit (30 b) is disposedon a surface of a rear side wall (43) near the blow-out flow path (41).

While the air conditioner (100) is at rest, a generator (32 a) of theupper generation unit (30 a) is disposed to face the first surface (23b) of the lower flap (20 b). While the air conditioner (100) is at rest,a generator (32 b) of the lower generation unit (30 b) is disposed toface the first surface (23 a) of the upper flap (20 a).

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , in the first position, the first surface (23a) of the upper flap body (21 a) and the lower generator (32 b) faceeach other, and the first surface (23 b) of the lower flap body (21 b)and the upper generator (32 a) face each other. As illustrated in FIG.10 , in the second position, the second surface (24 a) of the upper flapbody (21 a) and the lower generator (32 b) face each other, and thesecond surface (24 b) of the lower flap body (21 b) and the uppergenerator (32 a) face each other.

—Operation of Providing Antimicrobial Element—

Next, an operation of providing an antimicrobial element to the flaps(20) according to the second embodiment will be described. Thisoperation is the same as, or similar to, that of the first embodimentfrom when a blow-out operation of the air conditioner (100) is stoppedto when the outlet (11 b) is blocked.

While the first surface (23 a) of the upper flap body (21 a) and thelower generator (32 b) face each other, and the first surface (23 b) ofthe lower flap body (21 b) and the upper generator (32 a) face eachother, the control unit (15) energizes the generators (32 a, 32 b).Energizing the generators (32 a, 32 b) causes ultraviolet lightgenerated by the generators (32 a, 32 b) to be emitted to the firstsurfaces (23 a, 23 b) of the upper and lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) asillustrated in FIG. 9 . The emission of the ultraviolet light allowsbacteria, mold spores, and other similar substances deposited on theupper and lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) to die out under the ultravioletlight. Thus, the first surfaces (23 a, 23 b) of the upper and lowerflaps (20 a) and (20 b) are sanitized.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization of thegenerators (32 a, 32 b), the control unit (15) stops energizing thegenerators (32 a, 32 b) and suspends the emission of ultraviolet lightfrom the generators (32 a, 32 b). When the emission of ultraviolet lightfrom the generators (32 a, 32 b) is suspended, the control unit (15)rotates the upper and lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) by about 90°. Asillustrated in FIG. 10 , the upper and lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b)rotating by about 90° causes the upper and lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b)to be in the second position, causes the second surface (24 a) of theupper flap (20 a) to face the lower generator (32 b), and causes thesecond surface (24 b) of the lower flap (20 b) to face the uppergenerator (32 a). The control unit (15) energizes the generators (32 a,32 b) while the second surfaces (24 a, 24 b) face the correspondinggenerators (32 a, 32 b). Energizing the generators (32 a, 32 b) allowsultraviolet light generated by the generators (32 a, 32 b) to be emittedto the second surfaces (24 a, 24 b) of the upper and lower flaps (20 a)and (20 b). Thus, the second surfaces (24 a, 24 b) of the upper andlower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) that have received the ultraviolet lightare sanitized.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization of thegenerators (32 a, 32 b), the control unit (15) stops energizing thegenerators (32 a, 32 b) and suspends the emission of ultraviolet lightfrom the generators (32 a, 32 b). When the emission of ultraviolet lightfrom the generators (32 a, 32 b) is suspended, the control unit (15)rotates the upper and lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) by about 90°. Therotation of the upper and lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) causes the upperand lower flaps (20 a) and (20 b) to return to the first position.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment will be described below. An air conditioner (100) ofthis embodiment is a modified version, of the air conditioner (100) ofthe first embodiment, in which the configurations of the flap (20) andthe generation unit (30) have been changed. Thus, the followingdescription will be focused on the differences between the airconditioner (100) of this embodiment and the air conditioner (100) ofthe first embodiment.

—Flap—

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , a flap (20) includes one flap body (21), oneslide shaft (26), and two rails (27). The slide shaft (26) is providedon the center of the flap body (21) to pass through the flap body (21).The slide shaft (26) is provided generally parallel to the lengthwisedirection of the flap body (21). In other words, the slide shaft (26) isdisposed at the center of an outlet (11 b).

The rails (27) are used to shift the flap body (21) in parallel. Therails (27) are each provided on a corresponding one of right and leftinner surfaces of a casing (11). The rails (27) are positioned generallyorthogonal to the flap body (21). The slide shaft (26) shifts along therails (27).

FIG. 11 illustrates a state where the flap body (21) blocks the outlet(11 b). As illustrated in FIG. 11 , a first surface (23) of the flapbody (21) faces the inside of the casing (11). A second surface (24) ofthe flap body (21) faces the outside of the casing (11). In a firstposition, the flap (20) blocks the outlet (11 b). A second position is aposition in which the flap body (21) is shifted in parallel from thefirst position toward the inside of the casing (11) by a predetermineddistance.

—Generation Unit—

A generation unit (30) includes one fixing part (31), a plurality ofgenerators (32), and one reflector (34). The fixing part (31) isdisposed in a housing space (A) formed behind the outlet (11 b) of thecasing (11). The housing space (A) is formed in a lower portion of arear side wall (43) of a flow path forming portion (40). The housingspace (A) is formed as a portion of the rear side wall (43) recessedrearward. The housing space (A) is formed in a substantially triangularshape as viewed from a side surface of the casing (11). The housingspace (A) extends from one end to the other end of the outlet (11 b)along the lengthwise direction of the outlet (11 b).

The reflector (34) receives an antimicrobial element generated by thegenerators (32), and reflects the received antimicrobial element towardthe first surface (23) of the flap body (21). The reflector (34) is aplate-shaped member. The reflector (34) is disposed between a fan (14)and the flap (20). The reflector (34) is disposed generally parallel tothe flap body (21). The reflector (34) is opposed to the first surface(23) of the flap body (21). As illustrated in FIG. 11 , in the firstposition, the antimicrobial element is provided via the reflector (34)to the first surface (23) of the flap body (21). As illustrated in FIG.12 , in the second position, the antimicrobial element is provided tothe second surface (24) of the flap body (21).

—Operation of Providing Antimicrobial Element—

Next, an operation of providing the antimicrobial element to the flap(20) according to the third embodiment will be described. This operationis the same as, or similar to, that of the first embodiment from when ablow-out operation of the air conditioner (100) is stopped to when theoutlet (11 b) is blocked.

The control unit (15) energizes the generators (32) while the flap (20)is located in the first position. Energizing the generators (32) causesultraviolet light generated by the generators (32) to be released totheir surrounding areas as illustrated in FIG. 11 . The releasedultraviolet light is reflected by the reflector (34) so as to be emittedto the first surface (23) of the flap (20). The emission of theultraviolet light allows bacteria, mold spores, and other similarsubstances deposited on the flap (20) to die out under the ultravioletlight. Thus, the first surface (23) of the flap (20) is sanitized.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization of thegenerators (32), the control unit (15) stops energizing the generators(32) and suspends the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators(32). When the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators (32) issuspended, the control unit (15) shifts the flap (20) to the secondposition.

The control unit (15) energizes the generators (32) while the flap (20)is located in the second position. Energizing the generators (32) causesultraviolet light generated by the generators (32) to be released totheir surrounding areas as illustrated in FIG. 12 . The releasedultraviolet light is emitted to the second surface (24) of the flap(20). Thus, the second surface (24) of the flap (20) that has receivedthe ultraviolet light is sanitized.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization of thegenerators (32), the control unit (15) stops energizing the generators(32) and suspends the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators(32). When the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators (32) issuspended, the control unit (15) shifts the flap (20) to the firstposition.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment will be described below. An air conditioner (100) ofthis embodiment is a modified version, of the air conditioner (100) ofthe first embodiment, in which the configuration of the flow pathforming portion (40) and the arrangement of the generation unit (30) arechanged. Thus, the following description will be focused on thedifferences between the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment and theair conditioner (100) of the first embodiment.

—Flow Path Forming Portion—

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , a rear side wall (43) of a flow path formingportion (40) has a transparent portion (43 a). The transparent portion(43 a) is made of a material transparent to ultraviolet light withpredetermined wavelengths. The transparent portion (43 a) of thisembodiment is made of a material transmitting ultraviolet light withwavelengths from 200 nm to 230 nm (e.g., glass). The transparent portion(43 a) is formed as a portion of the rear side wall (43) below a fan(14). The transparent portion (43 a) extends from one end to the otherend of an outlet (11 b) along the lengthwise direction (the side-to-sidedirection) of the outlet (11 b). The configuration of a front side wall(42) is the same as, or similar to, that of the first embodiment.

—Flap—

In this embodiment, a second position of the flap (20) is different fromthat of the first embodiment. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 15 ,the second position is a position in which a second surface (24) of aflap body (21) faces the transparent portion (43 a). In other words, inthe second position, the second surface (24) of the flap body (21) facesgenerators (32). This second position is a position in which the flapbody (21) is rotated by about 90° from the first position in thecounterclockwise direction in FIG. 14 . In the second position, the flapbody (21) is located generally perpendicular to the outlet (11 b). Inthe second position, the outlet (11 b) is opened.

—Generation Unit—

A generation unit (30) is disposed near the front end of a pipe space(S2). The generation unit (30) is disposed below the transparent portion(43 a) of the rear side wall (43). Specifically, the generation unit(30) is disposed between the transparent portion (43 a) and a bottompanel (19). The generation unit (30) is disposed outside a blow-out flowpath (41).

The generators (32) are light sources that generate ultraviolet light asan antimicrobial element. The generators (32) are disposed to emitultraviolet light toward the outlet (11 b) and the front side wall (42).The antimicrobial element of this embodiment is ultraviolet lightincluding ultraviolet light with wavelengths from 200 nm to 230 nm. Inone preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial element includes ultravioletlight with a wavelength of 222 nm.

Here, ultraviolet light with wavelengths from 200 nm to 230 nm has lessinfluence on deterioration of a component made of a resin thanultraviolet light with wavelengths except the wavelengths from 200 nm to230 nm. For this reason, using ultraviolet light with wavelengths from200 nm to 230 nm as an antimicrobial element can reduce deterioration ofa component which is made of a resin and on which ultraviolet light withsuch wavelengths is incident.

In addition, ultraviolet light with wavelengths from 200 nm to 230 nmhas a small influence also on human bodies. For this reason, usingultraviolet light with wavelengths from 200 nm to 230 nm as anantimicrobial element allows ultraviolet light to be emitted while theflap (20) does not completely block the outlet (11 b). The antimicrobialelement generated by the generators (32) of this embodiment may includeultraviolet light with wavelengths except the wavelengths from 200 nm to230 nm.

—Operation of Providing Antimicrobial Element—

Next, an operation of providing an antimicrobial element to the flap(20) according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Thisoperation is the same as, or similar to, that of the first embodimentfrom when a blow-out operation of the air conditioner (100) is stoppedto when emission of ultraviolet light from the generators (32) issuspended after the lapse of a predetermined time since sanitization ofthe first surface (23) of the flap (20).

If, after the emission of ultraviolet light to the first surface (23) ofthe flap (20) has been suspended, the blow-out operation of the airconditioner (100) is again performed, a control unit (15) rotates theflap (20) by about 90° in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 14 . Asillustrated in FIG. 15 , the flap (20) shifts to the second position.Thus, the outlet (11 b) is opened, and the second surface (24) of theflap (20) faces the generators (32). The flap (20) in the secondposition allows the control unit (15) to rotate the fan (14), therebyblowing air with its temperature controlled by a heat exchanger (13) outof the outlet (11 b). When the air is blown out of the outlet (11 b),the control unit (15) energizes the generators (32) while the secondsurface (24) of the flap (20) faces the generators (32).

Energizing the generators (32) causes the generators (32) to generateultraviolet light, which is transmitted through the transparent portion(43 a) of the rear side wall (43) so as to be emitted to the secondsurface (24) of the flap (20), the front side wall (42), and air passingthrough the blow-out flow path (41). The emission of the ultravioletlight allows bacteria, mold spores, and other similar substancesdeposited on the second surface (24) of the flap (20) and the front sidewall (42) or contained in the air passing through the blow-out flow path(41) to die out under the ultraviolet light. Thus, the second surface(24) of the flap (20), the front side wall (42), and the air passingthrough the blow-out flow path (41) are sanitized.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization of thegenerators (32), the control unit (15) stops energizing the generators(32) and suspends the emission of ultraviolet light from the generators(32). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the energization ofthe generators (32) is stopped, the generators (32) are again energizedto emit ultraviolet light to the second surface (24) of the flap (20),the front side wall (42), and the air passing through the blow-out flowpath (41).

As can be seen, during the blow-out operation, the generators (32) emitultraviolet light to the air blown out of the outlet (11 b). Thus, theair blown out of the outlet (11 b) can be sanitized. In addition, thegenerators (32) emit ultraviolet light also to the front side wall (42).

Thus, the blow-out flow path (41) can also be sanitized.

Other Embodiments

The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows.

The air treatment device of each of the foregoing embodiments is notlimited to an air conditioner (100) configured to condition air in aroom. The air treatment device may be, for example, a humidity controlapparatus configured to control the humidity of a target space or an aircleaner configured to clean air in a target space.

The air conditioner (100) of each of the foregoing embodiments is awall-mounted air conditioner, but may be a ceiling-embedded airconditioner.

The indoor unit (1) of each of the foregoing embodiments may include aplurality of perpendicular flaps. The perpendicular flaps areblade-shaped members generally perpendicular to the outlet (11 b). Inthis case, a light source is disposed between each adjacent pair of theperpendicular flaps.

The flap (20) of each of the foregoing embodiment may include aplurality of flaps. In this case, the short sides of the flaps (20) mayhave different lengths.

The generation unit(s) (30) of each of the foregoing embodiments doesnot have to include the fixing part (31), and the generators (32) may bedisposed directly on the casing (11).

The fixing part (31) of the first embodiment may be disposed above orbelow the outlet (11 b) as viewed from the outlet (11 b).

The generators (32) of each of the foregoing embodiments may swing inthe top-to-bottom direction or in the side-to-side direction.

The number of the generators (32) of each of the foregoing embodimentsis two or more. However, one generator (32) may be provided, and mayshift in parallel in the side-to-side direction.

The antimicrobial element of each of the foregoing embodiments may beozone. In this case, a jet orifice for the antimicrobial element merelyneeds to be located inside the casing (11).

The antimicrobial element of each of the foregoing embodiments may behydrogen peroxide or chloric acid.

While the embodiments and variations thereof have been described above,it will be understood that various changes in form and details may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Theforegoing embodiments and variations thereof may be combined andreplaced with each other without deteriorating the intended functions ofthe present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosure isuseful for an air treatment device.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

-   -   100 Air Conditioner (Air Treatment Device)    -   11 Casing    -   11 a Inlet    -   11 b Outlet    -   21 Flap Body (Blade)    -   23 First Surface    -   24 Second Surface    -   32 Generator

The invention claimed is:
 1. An air treatment device, comprising: acasing having an inlet through which air is drawn, and an outlet out ofwhich the air drawn through the inlet is blown; and a blade configuredto adjust a flow direction of the air blown out of the outlet, the airtreatment device further comprising: a generator configured to generatean antimicrobial element that sanitizes the blade, the blade having afirst surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, theblade being shiftable between a first position in which theantimicrobial element is provided to the first surface and a secondposition in which the antimicrobial element is provided to the secondsurface.
 2. The air treatment device of claim 1, wherein the generatoris provided in the casing, the first surface and the generator face eachother in the first position, and the second surface and the generatorface each other in the second position.
 3. The air treatment device ofclaim 1, wherein the blade is capable of opening and closing the outlet,and in the first and second positions, the blade blocks the outlet. 4.The air treatment device of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial elementis ultraviolet light or ozone.
 5. The air treatment device of claim 4,wherein the outlet has a rectangular shape, the generator is a lightsource that generates the ultraviolet light, and the generator includesa plurality of generators, the plurality of generators being arranged ina lengthwise direction of the outlet.
 6. The air treatment device ofclaim 1, wherein the generator generates ultraviolet light withwavelengths from 200 nm to 230 nm as the antimicrobial element.
 7. Theair treatment device of claim 6, wherein during an operation of blowingair out of the outlet, the generator emits the ultraviolet light as theantimicrobial element to the air blown out of the outlet.
 8. The airtreatment device of claim 2, wherein the blade is capable of opening andclosing the outlet, and in the first and second positions, the bladeblocks the outlet.
 9. The air treatment device of claim 2, wherein theantimicrobial element is ultraviolet light or ozone.
 10. The airtreatment device of claim 3, wherein the antimicrobial element isultraviolet light or ozone.
 11. The air treatment device of claim 2,wherein the generator generates ultraviolet light with wavelengths from200 nm to 230 nm as the antimicrobial element.
 12. The air treatmentdevice of claim 8, wherein the antimicrobial element is ultravioletlight or ozone.
 13. The air treatment device of claim 9, wherein theoutlet has a rectangular shape, the generator is a light source thatgenerates the ultraviolet light, and the generator includes a pluralityof generators, the plurality of generators being arranged in alengthwise direction of the outlet.
 14. The air treatment device ofclaim 10, wherein the outlet has a rectangular shape, the generator is alight source that generates the ultraviolet light, and the generatorincludes a plurality of generators, the plurality of generators beingarranged in a lengthwise direction of the outlet.
 15. The air treatmentdevice of claim 11, wherein during an operation of blowing air out ofthe outlet, the generator emits the ultraviolet light as theantimicrobial element to the air blown out of the outlet.
 16. The airtreatment device of claim 12, wherein the outlet has a rectangularshape, the generator is a light source that generates the ultravioletlight, and the generator includes a plurality of generators, theplurality of generators being arranged in a lengthwise direction of theoutlet.